Moving to PC, bringing my I/O boat, decisions, decisions. (Port Charlotte: new home, buying)

[SgtRich]

Hi again,

So things are progressing on our new home in SGC, ground breaking soon!

Here's my dilemma. I have a 18'2" 1995 Wellcraft Eclipse I/O. It's a really solid boat and, it's paid off.

My plan currently is to bring my boat down there, put it on our lift on the canal, flush it after every use and be prepared to have it still corrode and die in a few years. Then buy a more appropriate FL style boat.

Question 1: should I tow it down from Chicago land or have it shipped? Not even sure how to ship a boat, no pun intended.

Question 2: I've heard about flushing systems I can install but, not sure how well they work. Any advice here?

Question 3: Can I realistically hope to get another three years in salt/brackish water with an I/O?

House should be done by October, can't wait!

Semper Fi

Erich

[MikeM8560]

Originally Posted by SgtRich

Hi again,



Question 2: I've heard about flushing systems I can install but, not sure how well they work. Any advice here?

Question 3: Can I realistically hope to get another three years in salt/brackish water with an I/O?



Erich

heres what I use can flush the motor once on the lift / motor off


SuperFlush Marine Engine Flushing and Corrosion Control Systems

I have a 99 Volvo I/o still going strong

[double6's]

sell it and use the money to buy another boat down here..there's tons of good used boats here..one less thing to have to worry about come moving time.

[Montycjv]

I was in the same position as you a couple of years ago. I had a 20' Bayliner I/O that was in great shape and was used only on a fresh water lake in Massachusetts. It ran great for 10 years, then we bought a 2nd home in PC on a canal. We decided to ship the boat down from Mass. I listed it on USHIP and received multiple offers to pick it up from my driveway and tow it down to Port Charlotte on my trailer. I picked the lowest bidder (approx. $800.00) with a good reputation, and 3 days later my Bayliner was sitting in my Florida driveway.


I used it without issues until this past June when I traded it in for a new center console. Remember, some marine dealers wont even entertain a trade of an I/O...shop around. I got a great trade in deal after a attending the local boat show. I flushed it after EVERY run thru the canals and across the harbor. Never had a mechanical issue, but after 1 year in the Florida sun, the vinyl was beginning to fade and crack, and I worried the wooden floor would begin to rot. I installed a boat lift cover and that significantly protected boat, but I knew it was only a matter of time....Wife told me it was of to trade and go with a center console...How could I say no??

[SgtRich]

Originally Posted by MikeM8560

heres what I use can flush the motor once on the lift / motor off


SuperFlush Marine Engine Flushing and Corrosion Control Systems

I have a 99 Volvo I/o still going strong

Thanks for that link, that's definitely what I need. My I/O is a Volvo Penta, similar to yours.

I'm still leaning towards bringing the boat down, as I'll be lucky to get $2,500 for my boat. Especially since we have two kids still in college!

Guess I'll just plan on trailering it down over a couple of days, when the time comes.

Can't wait!

Cheers

[SgtRich]

Originally Posted by Montycjv

I was in the same position as you a couple of years ago. I had a 20' Bayliner I/O that was in great shape and was used only on a fresh water lake in Massachusetts. It ran great for 10 years, then we bought a 2nd home in PC on a canal. We decided to ship the boat down from Mass. I listed it on USHIP and received multiple offers to pick it up from my driveway and tow it down to Port Charlotte on my trailer. I picked the lowest bidder (approx. $800.00) with a good reputation, and 3 days later my Bayliner was sitting in my Florida driveway.

I used it without issues until this past June when I traded it in for a new center console. Remember, some marine dealers wont even entertain a trade of an I/O...shop around. I got a great trade in deal after a attending the local boat show. I flushed it after EVERY run thru the canals and across the harbor. Never had a mechanical issue, but after 1 year in the Florida sun, the vinyl was beginning to fade and crack, and I worried the wooden floor would begin to rot. I installed a boat lift cover and that significantly protected boat, but I knew it was only a matter of time....Wife told me it was of to trade and go with a center console...How could I say no??

Thanks for the thorough reply, this is exactly what I've been wondering. Shipping sounds a lot better than hauling it myself. I'll check out Uship, but we're months away from that point. Our lift will have a boat cover from day one so that should help.

I will definitely install the Superflush system, thanks to MikeM for that idea.

The wife is already on-board (pun intended) with buying a center console in a few years, so that's a good thing too.

Thanks for all the tips, most helpful.

[MikeM8560]

I find it odd how many center consoles are used and not fished. do get me wrong I've had CC's and have one now it not real comfortable for cruising. driver in the back and guest usually up front.

that why I got a deckboat also. yes it has a I/o a o.b would be nice but its nice bot to have to climb around a motor accessing the swim platform

[HarborRat]

It should easily last a few years without flushing.

Am I the only one that doesn't flush? We are in petty fresh water up here....

[SgtRich]

Originally Posted by HarborRat

It should easily last a few years without flushing.

Am I the only one that doesn't flush? We are in petty fresh water up here....

Guess I've read so many horror stories about corrosion.

Is the harbor also brackish ?

I would probably rarely take the journey out to the gulf, not even sure I'd have enough gas to get back!

[Restrain]

The Harbor is brackish, amount of salinity depends on the tides, etc. yes, flush the boat, wash it down.

As an aside, if coming down look at The Hull Truth forum. Great boating forum with a lot of Florida members. Good luck with the move and welcome.